**Special** Homework Help

**Special**  is something I simply must share, even if it isn't an event or activity.  From time to time these little nuggets will pop up because if they didn't I'd ... pop!  :) ~Cheri

Help for Homework

Written by Laurel Schmidt   

Make your home a pleasant “school” when it comes to homework, so everyone gets in on the learning.

Sometimes there’s no end to the supply of tricky spelling words that must be learned each week. That’s what you may be thinking mid year in the middle of homework with your child on any given Wednesday night. Homework’s the equal opportunity disappointment: grueling for struggling students, a time-consuming bore for the eager learners, a hassle for parents everywhere. While your kids may have a few teachers who assign homework sparingly, for the most part, you’re looking at years of at-home tutorials, so think of your homework central as your homeschool. Concentrate on improving your family’s aptitude for homework by implementing seven “DO” rules:

Seven “Do Rules”

#1 DO let your kids find their most comfortable study position in a central, public place at home where the work will get done faster and with less fuss.
 
#2 DO let your kids have background music on if it helps them, however, avoid listening to music on ear phones — a child can’t concentrate on his work if he’s concentrating on the song.

#3 DO make it fun for your little ones. If your child needs to memorize math fractions or spelling words, instead of grinding away with a pencil, try smearing some shaving cream on a cookie tray. This smooth, silky surface is perfect for writing, erasing and writing again. You’ll be amazed at how eager your kids are to practice when the syllabus calls for fun.

#4 DO save editing for final drafts. Don’t worry about spelling and handwriting when your child is working on a first draft of a writing assignment. Ideas and creativity flourish outside the “rule box.” With second drafts and a little coaching, they’ll enjoy rooting out common words and replacing them with juicier images. Run becomes sprint or dart. Eat turns into gobble or nibble. Then it’s time for editing — after the brain work is done.

#5 DO let kids move, snack, sing or shoot baskets between homework tasks to recharge their batteries. Little breaks pump energy to the brain, driving away fatigue and boredom. Other kids respond very well to the “Beat-the-Clock” approach to homework. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes, and see how much they can complete before the time is up.

#6 DO avoid the word “BUT” when checking over your child’s work. Kids listen for your “BUT” and hear little else as their confidence and self-esteem plummet. Point out the positives, beginning by saying, “It’s good, especially this part. I love they way you described the dog howling.” Then ask, “What part do you think is best?” Supported by your praise, kids can assess their own work and hear suggestions without getting defensive.

#7 DO let your kids do their own work. If your child doesn’t understand his assignment (and neither do you) send an e-mail to his teacher.

Laurel Schmidt has been in education for more than 30 years as a teacher and principal. She is also the author of Seven Times Smarter: 50 Activities, Games and Projects to Develop the Seven Intelligences in Your Child (Three Rivers Press).

....copied from www.nashvilleparent.com